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BANGKOK, March 24, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- Chula researchers developed a simple, accurate, and fast urine test kit for

cervical cancer that's got the nod from the National Research Council of

Thailand's 2021 Outstanding Inventions Award.  

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Thai women age 30-60, after

breast cancer, with 10,000 new cases per year, and claiming as many as 5,000

lives annually. Though curable if detected early, many women are afraid of

getting tested due to the cost, and their fear of the Pap Smear method. It is a

sexually transmitted disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), not

preventable by condoms. And though there is a vaccine for HPV, it's not yet

prevalent, nor does it provide 100% protection.

Today, the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn

University's research team, comprising Prof. Dr. Orawan Chailapakul, Dr.

Prinjaporn Tee-ngam, Sarida Naorungroj, Dr. Somrak Petchcomchai, and Prof. Dr.

Tirayut Vilaivan have invented the urine HPV paper-based DNA sensor testing

kits for cervical cancer that would allow a simpler and pain-free procedure

that can be done frequently.

The urine HPV paper-based DNA sensor testing kits are easier and much faster

than the Pap Smear. It eliminates the need to insert a tool and hold the

vaginal walls open.

"The kits test for HPV DNA using PNA (Peptide Nucleic Acid), a synthetic

substance that imitates our DNA, and designed to target specific cancer-causing

strains of the virus," said Prof. Dr. Orawan.

"Urine sample is mixed in a solution, then dropped onto the paper sensor, so

the color change can be observed. The normal color is bright red, and it gets

lighter according to the amount of the virus detected. Urine has fewer DNA

materials than tissues, so a smartphone colorimeter app amplifying the DNA

level is used alongside to make color change more visible." Test results show

the test kit's high accuracy with a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 78%, and

reproducibility rate of 100%."

The less-than-500-Baht HPV Testing Kits are not for home use and must be

administered by health centers and community hospitals.

To stay safe from cervical cancer, women should "always keep the vaginal area

clean, and get regular checkups," Prof. Dr. Orawan concluded.

For more information, visit https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/67741/

Media Contact:

Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th

Research Team Contact:

Prof. Dr. Orawan Chailapakul

Email: orawon.c@chula.ac.th

SOURCE: Chulalongkorn University Communication Center

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   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=417590

   Caption: HPV Testing Kits - Chula’s Innovation for Women’s Health